My spouse and I were talking about a job this morning. I audaciously proclaimed I would rock the available position in his department but his team could not handle our combined awesomeness. His response was, \u201cNo, you couldn\u2019t. You have the skill set, but physically you could not handle the position.\u201d I wanted to punch him.<\/p>\n
The physical demands of a position matter. We can pretend they do not and declare a position to be a perfect fit, but the physical demands of a job can render us an unfit candidate. Does the position require long hours of standing? Does the position require us to be in an office or work in a cubical? Does the position demand we bend, lift or log multiple hours outdoors? Does the position require hours of driving or sitting at a desk? Is the position done in isolation or community? Can water and food be partaken of during work hours? What attire must be worn for safety reasons or to adhere to dress code? Does the position require detailed precision? For those of us with chronic illnesses or other limitations, these questions are even more important.<\/p>\n
I often insert questions about physical self-care into my conversations with others, particularly students. I typically include questions like: Are you eating correctly? How much water do you drink? Are you walking\/exercising? Are you taking your medicines and vitamins? How are you sleeping? The questions help me discern where to start. I can recommend a host of spiritual disciplines, but if there is a physical limitation I need to begin there. A well-hydrated body enhances the ability to practice disciplines. Being well rested enhances the ability to study the sacred text. Too many processed carbs or too much caffeine can lead to an attention deficit. Our body is this amazing and intricate instrument, and when it is \u201cout of whack,\u201d our souls have a hard time communing with the Sacred Divine.<\/p>\n
We are fast approaching the liturgical season of Lent. Lent is ushered in by Ash Wednesday, a day punctuated by the imposition of ashes. The imposition of ashes is intentional; reminding us we are finite being. Fashioned and formed in dust, one day we will return to dust. Ash Wednesday is a day to consider our finitude and our limitations, whether they be spiritual or physical.<\/p>\n
Wednesday, February 10th at noon and 10 p.m. the Center for Spiritual Life (CSL) will hold Ash Wednesday services in Snidow Chapel and will offer the imposition of ashes. Services are open to the entire LC Community regardless of faith tradition. Our staff is also available to impose ashes outside those times. Please contact the CSL for additional information.<\/p>\n
May this intentional day of self-reflection invite us into better self-care of this wondrous body we have been given and may the journey towards health and wholeness awaken us to the mystery of the Sacred Divine.<\/p>\n
Katrina<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
My spouse and I were talking about a job this morning. I audaciously proclaimed I would rock the available position in his department but his team could not handle our combined awesomeness. His response was, \u201cNo, you couldn\u2019t. You have …<\/p>\n